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Energy City
Elk River has been known as "Energy City" since 1997 when the Minnesota Environmental Initiative chose it from over 30 other applying communities to act as a geographical focal point for the demonstration of efficient and renewable energy products, services, and technologies.
The eleven members of the Energy City Commission promotes the City of Elk River as a hub of energy technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products, and the adoption of sustainable living practices. Energy City works with entities interested in completing an energy efficient and economically feasible project in the Elk River area. Such entities may include builders, utility companies, government agencies, non-profits, homeowners, or businesses.
In order to provide a clear focus for Energy City, a 10-year Action Plan was developed in 2014, encompassing many city departments and city partners. The Action Plan will be reviewed annually and welcomes the input from city residents and area businesses.
In 2023, the City of Elk River became an official partner of Recharge America.
For more information, or if you have questions, please send an email.
City of Elk River Selected for a Hometown Solar Grant and Hometown Wind Power
Elk River City Hall is now home to a 5 kW solar installation and a 160 kW wind turbine! The Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) has chosen chosen Elk River for these grant programs to bring renewable energy demonstration sites to our city. The purpose of the Hometown Solar Grant program is to provide our community with an educational asset to teach people how sunlight is converted into electricity and the unique characteristics of solar power. In the grant application, city and Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) staff explained why city hall was a great location for a solar installation, aligning with this program’s goals, but also broadening the sustainability goals already in place here as Minnesota’s designated Energy City.
The next time you visit the Elk River Library be sure to stop by the educational kiosk located in the children’s section overlooking Orono Parkway and the city’s new solar installation. The kiosk is complete with interactive graphics highlighting how solar power generates electricity throughout the entire process. Additionally you can see it's production in real time online including overall production, CO2 emission saved and equivalent trees planted. Stop by City Hall to see it up close too.
The wind turbine is located at the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC), allowing athletes, families and residents to see the wind turbine up close while at the facility. The hub stands 80 feet of the ground with a maximum blade height of 215 feet. The turbine will produce energy to be used locally.